I wanna know if anyone else dreams about walking across this Beautiful country?

subvertc · 3 months

Already have, 5 times.

That's if you count hitchhiking...

Do it. Spring is coming.

ranalizorcy · 3 months

So I've read a few things about becoming a nomad and basically, it is dangerous but awesome. You should save up a couple grand before venturing off just in case. It isn't fun to be poor, cold and get robbed or something. Basically what you want to do is backpack across Canada right? Just look at some backpacking websites and there is a subreddit for that as well. I wouldn't do it alone, I'm sure you can find a person or two to go with you or at least meet similar people along the way. Ever think about backpacking across Australia or somewhere? The weather is better and I bet there's more people doing it. Not sure though. Anyhoo I'd like to drive across Canada, not hitchhike. Ever consider that?

mayanskullrack · 3 months

read some inspiring stories

http://www.digihitch.com/featured_roaddog.html

I would LOVE to travel Canada and other countries on a low budget but I no longer have health and I am chained to medical requirements.

If you can physically manage to go and find in your mind-it is right for you..DO IT!Too many wait for some retirement dream regarding this type of thing and yet many are not healthy enough to do it by then. I will say beware of living an entirely vagabond life as I have met many who are in their late 60's etc and they have no savings etc for weathering potential retirement/health issues at a later date-somewhere is a balance between having a safety net for oneself(and to allow future financial coverage)

Cappin · 3 months

I say go for it. If this is a dream you've had for a long time, you should fulfill it. Canadians are a supportive bunch, and I'm sure you'd meet some interesting people and have some really interesting stories at the end of it.

Dress warm!

En-tro-py · 3 months

If your really looking to travel, get away from Ontario, and not afraid of the cold then go to the Yukon. Its glorious up there... Plus you'll have a pretty good shot of finding a job as long as you're willing to work hard.

preciouspace · 3 months

Do it! You're going to meet fantastic people, and make contacts on the road that will help you down the road. Buy a bivy-sack for sleeping in fields. Check out couchsurfing.org for beds, showers and meals along the way. Become a good storyteller. Take a picture everyday. Watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ky6vgQfU24

ilovemodok · 3 months

Do you mean hitching or walking? I've hitched, it's great fun!

Took me six days from Southern Ontario, but I went with a buddy which makes it tougher to get picked up.

I'd say pack very light and don't leave too early. Getting to the prairies means going way, way north in Ontario. Gets damn cold at night, even in late June I found.

Didn't have an grass myself, but my first ride in Manitoba was by the 32nd best parachuter in Manitoba (according to him). He tells me to open the glove box and BAM, triple a shit! The rest of the trip to BC at least one in three people picking us up got us ripped.

I'd warn you about where you sleep too. Finding hiding spots to camp is tough in the prairies. Sounds obvious when you think about it, but being from Ontario I didn't even think of how much I relied on trees to hide from cops/ mean locals while camping out near the road. Also, I got ticks one time...in all the warmer hairy spots :(.

It's painful, frustrating and you'll want to quit. Every year after though, the experiences you had will grow more and more valuable. My cross Canada adventure spurred me to do even greater world travelling adventures, but I still often look fondly at my hitching Canada trek.

Any questions you have, I'd love to help out.

EDIT Read the book "On The Road"! It'll inspire you.

medym · 3 months

Walking vs hitchhiking are two drastically different things. Hitchhiking many people have done before, walking would be significantly less. At approx 40km a day you could cross from the east to west coast in about 160 days (assuming you dont take a day off).

zq49 · 3 months

Great idea (assuming you're single...).

Start small. Build up to it. Most people don't have a clue how to walk long distances.

Priority #1 would be to find good, waterproof (NOT "water-resistant") boots that won't leave your feet covered in blisters. They do exist, but you'll have to experiment. I've walked thousands of km in these: http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=57PY

Try walking to the next town. Our pioneer ancestors (well, mine anyway) did this all the time.

Do you know how to read topographical maps (if you want to go off the main roads)? Learn.

In Ontario, you can camp on Crown Land (there are time limits for staying in one spot, weeks I think) unless it is otherwise posted (say, during logging operations). Get crown land maps like this: https://www.shopofah.org/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=495

Good luck!

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